London Play

Working for a capital where all children can play

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Why play?

Play is essential to children's growth and development. It is the medium through which they learn about the world and come to an understanding of their own nature and capabilities.

However, because it is a child's most natural impulse and therefore not necessarily requiring adult intervention or support, this most fundamental and vital part of growing up has been increasingly taken for granted.

Modern living, particularly in large cities, presents a significant range of obstacles to this essential childhood experience. There is now an urgent need for a serious investment of resources to provide our children with the environments, the opportunities, the access and the support to play.

Some children face greater obstacles than others and, in being excluded or denied this basic right, lose part of their childhood. As a consequence they suffer - emotionally, socially and educationally.

Play and recreation are a child's right, as recognised by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child. As the capital city, London owes a duty to develop realistic and achievable policies for children that take account of this right and provide the framework within which it can be ensured, for all children.